Wednesday, June 20, 2012

As I came to the realization I was being published, I decided that NOW would be the perfect time to finally take off those extra pounds gained after having three kids. The thought of my picture being taken and my future appearance at book signings made me yearn for my smaller clothes (not worn for so long they have probably gone out and back into style). I miss doing sporty things with my athletic husband and active
children. I miss my old jeans. I miss being happy with my pictures. I
miss feeling healthy.

I traded a more active life (soccer player, runner, fire fighter and cop) to start a family, but I should have eaten healthier and exercised even after having children, despite being a busy mom. With effort, I could have worked it in, but I chose not to. Now I'm stuck with weight to lose. I believe, however, that I've finally found the inspiration to stick with a weight loss plan.

After much consideration, I'm posting my weight-loss goal. Why do this on a
social media site you may ask? Well, my philosophy had always been, “No one knows I
started a diet, so no one will know if I quit and fail.” But now, since
those who read this blog will know about it, it makes me want to stick to my diet. I fear letting others down even if the weight loss really only affects me.

Some may
roll their eyes or shake their heads, saying I’m just opening myself up
to ridicule, but I feel that those who are true
friends will encourage and support me even if I struggle and have set
backs. And those who are prone to ridicule, will do so even if I
succeed.

I've done my research on nutrition (no pills or fad diets for me), and I know what kind of exercise is realistic and available for my current lifestyle. My target is to lose 40 pounds by the end of September, 2012. This will take strict adherence
to healthy eating and daily exercise, but I'm determined more than ever to make it work. I started Monday, June 18th, 2012. Diets always start Monday
*smile*. So far, I've done well.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

I got the verdict from Jolly Fish Press today about my submitted sheet
music for my medieval fiction novel, Shadows of Valor. It's a go and I'm SO
EXCITED! Although I wrote three ballads in my story and then composed the music
(tapping into my piano background), only one shortened version of ONE BRAVE KNIGHT will be added as an addendum to the book, but I'm SO GLAD it'll be apart of it. Novel release September 7, 2013! And although only a condensed version of only one ballad was added as an addendum to the novel, here's the link for view all three songs in their entirety: http://elsiepark.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_16.html

AN UPDATE TO MY MUSIC: Just a few days ago (March 11, 2013) the executive editor, Christopher Loke, at my publishing house, Jolly Fish Press, asked if I would take parts of my songs and combine them into a 2-minute arrangement to use in my book trailer. I was tickled he asked me to take part in this. I worked on the arrangement for two days and then sent it to Chris for approval, and he LOVED it *phew*. Now I will be recording it with different instruments including the piano, viola, violin, flute, recorder, bass drum and acoustic guitar. I can't wait to see how it sounds after it's all done and how it will be when it's tied in with the trailer. EXCITING! Did I mention I was excited? *BIG SMILE*

UPDATE: APRIL 4, 2013 - I just finished mixing the composition I made for my book trailer. Sent it to my publisher. Can't wait to see it with the video on YouTube sometime before my book is released.

PROVO, UT—Jolly Fish Press (JFP) is excited to announce the acquisition of Elsie Park's debut novel, Shadows of Valor, a beautifully written historical novel set in medieval England.

In Shadows of Valor, Park throws
the reader into a quiet medieval town. On the surface, the town is
content and booming, but within its roots, something dark is stirring.
This darkness threatens to overpower the once-peaceful town, until a
mysterious figure appears: The Shadow.

Blurring the psychological haze of justice and revenge, Park's
debut novel brings new meaning to the Dark Knight. As the legendary
shadow of Graywall is summoned to protect the spawning deceit of the
kingdom, the reader is taken on a chivalric adventure through the muddy
and mired streets of medieval England, where evil is as inescapable as
the shadow that lurks behind its walls.

From a wildland firefighter to a security guard, police officer, and receiving a degree in botany and zoology, Park has done it all. It was only a matter of
time before she wrote her first novel. While on a hiatus to Italy, Park
was inspired by the thick presence of ancient and medieval history. She
felt it in its walls, and slowly, yet surely, a story was born.Shadows of Valor will be released September 7, 2013!

About Me

I grew up in a small town outside Yosemite National Park, California, U.S.A. I enjoy soccer, piano, reading, writing, art and my family. Years ago I spent 18 months in Italy teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Seeing the castles and old Roman cities enhanced my fascination for ancient and medieval culture. In college I studied zoology, botany and criminal justice. I've worked as a wildland firefighter and a police officer, but I am currently a stay-at-home mom, surviving multiple sclerosis, and spending time with my children and husband. I love thinking up new ideas for interesting stories and musical compositions to go with them. To schedule a book signing, appearance, or interview, contact Dayna Anderson at dayna@amberjackpublishing.com or me at elsie_rees@hotmail.com